5682 —ברכה לצמיחה והשפעה על ידי מצוות ואלול

B"H, 26 Menachem Av, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n engaged in tzt"z Mohe Meir Shalom

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After the longest pause, it was pleasant for me to receive your letter from the 7th of Menachem Av and your most elevated gift—an etrog grown from a seed of a Calabria etrog. May it be G‑d's will that in each of us, with G‑d's help, all matters dependent on the mitzvah of the four species be drawn down, especially according to the well-known saying of my father-in-law, the Rebbe, that in the prayer (of blessing for years) "Ve'et kol minei tevuatah letovah" ("And all its produce for good") one should have in mind wheat for matzah and etrog (elsewhere wine for Kiddush is also mentioned), and then automatically all its produce will be for good—thus further emphasizing this general matter.

Certainly you continue your influence on all those you meet, especially on those among them who are themselves influential, and to an ever-increasing degree. In particular, these days of mercy and favor approaching us should also be utilized for this purpose, as there is a special awakening in the soul of every Jew at this time. As is known, from Rosh Chodesh Elul it is like the parable of the king whose face can be greeted in the field—and certainly during the Ten Days of Repentance when there is closeness between the luminary and the spark.

Awaiting good news regarding all that was mentioned above,

M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe encourages using gifts and opportunities—especially during Elul—to increase positive influence on others and draw down blessings through mitzvot. He highlights that spiritual growth is amplified during times of Divine favor.